N. B. Lundwall, comp., The Vision. This book contains several helpful items which you may want to study in preparing this subject.

Some Suggestions for Presentation

(Ideas Other Teachers Have Used)

The Future Is Based upon Law (Discussion)

Read Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s story found in Notes and Commentary on Doctrine and Covenants 76:72-74 of the student manual. Stop after the example of the man is finished, without reading Elder McConkie’s conclusions. Ask students to tell what they think is wrong with the man’s reasoning.

Have the students read, mark, and explain Doctrine and Covenants 88:21-35 and Alma 34:32-35. Each student should understand that his future condition in eternity is based upon the law he has chosen to obey in life. Conclude by finishing Elder McConkie’s quote.

Laws Governing Eternal Inheritances (Discussion, Scripture Analysis)

The degrees of glory are interesting to students. This lesson can be used to clarify misconceptions about the hereafter as well as to increase the students’ understanding of the scriptures. Since students generally have a fairly good knowledge of the factors which lead people to the various kingdoms, a series of questions could be used as a preassessment of their understanding and also as a means of stimulating discussion. Ask questions and require the students to support their answers from the scriptures, particularly from Doctrine and Covenants 76. When students are able to support their answers, move on, but where they have trouble, stop and look more closely at the verses involved and offer explanations or cross-references to help the class come to an understanding of the concept involved. Be sure your questions focus .on concepts that will help students understand clearly the message of the portion of section 76 being studied. The following are some questions that could be used:

1.

How did the Lord compare the glory of the terrestrial kingdom with that of the celestial? (see vs. 71).

2.

What will be the result for those who reject the testimony of Jesus in this life but receive it in the hereafter? (see vs. 74).

3.

Who in the hereafter will dwell in the presence of Christ? (see vss. 62, 77).

4.

What are the qualifications of those who receive a terrestrial inheritance? (see vss. 72-79).

What did the Lord mean when he said the sons of perdition would suffer the second death? (see vs. 37; see also D&C 29:41).

Comparison of Kingdoms (Transparencies, Scripture Analysis)

Transparencies 12A, 12B, and 12C, “Three Degrees of Glory,” contain a comparison of the degrees, including the determining conditions, the rewards and blessings, and the status of those who go to each. This could be used to summarize the information revealed in Doctrine and Covenants 76. (A similar thing could be done in chart form on the chalkboard. Allow the students to work through the exercise as you write it.)

Using the transparencies or chalkboard chart, point out how little the Lord has said of the rewards in the lower kingdoms as compared to the celestial kingdom. Discuss why.

Note: The next lesson, “The Vision, Part 2,” will also refer to these transparencies. You could complete the chart during that lesson.

Laws of Restoration (Scripture Analysis)

Use the concepts found in Alma 41 with those in Doctrine and Covenants 76 to show the naturalness and fairness of the laws governing eternal inheritances. Use also Mormon 9:1-5 to indicate that to place an individual in a kingdom which is not in harmony with his nature would bring him misery rather than happiness.